Tradizionale Extravecchio Balsamic Vinegar by Giuseppe Giusti

Four hundred years of expertise distilled down to a simple bottle... truly one of life's wonders...

True balsamic connoisseurs will relish the complexity and lasting aftertaste of this Modena masterpiece, considered the king of all balsamic vinegars.

The balance between rich and harmonious flavors is enhanced through the meticulous aging process. The result is a dense and full bodied syrup with an increasing sweetness.

Method:Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is prepared from the gentle heating of local grapes. Then it is left to mature according to an ancient system. This consists of transferring the liquid through a series of smaller barrels of various wood, slowly absorbing their flavors and aroma. The process proceeds for many years for the Affinato, and even longer for the Extravecchio. The liquid is strictly controlled by an independent commission of tasters before being offered to the market.

Characteristics:These extraordinarily complex products are a balance between rich and harmonious flavors and fragrances that have a smooth, syrupy consistency.

The aging process determines an evermore dense and full bodied syrup, with an increasing sweetness. These characteristics are present in both qualities and still more enhanced in the Extravecchio, making it the absolute king of all balsamic vinegars.

Recommendations: Every balsamic vinegar recipe will be exalted by the use of these elixirs.

A commandment of Giusti is to never warm the Traditional Balsamic Vinegars of Modena. Their complex harmony of flavors and aromas must be preserved in its raw form.

True connoisseurs of balsamic vinegar relish the complexity and lasting aftertaste by delighting in a drop on a piece of Parmesan cheese, a strawberry, or rich vanilla ice cream.

A tradition for the people of Modena is to indulge at the end of a meal with what is called the meditational use, sipping directly from a spoon as true elixir.

Both the Affinato and Extravecchio would make and exemplary gift idea that would be appreciated by all cooks as a luxurious addition to their kitchen.